Geology of National Parks and Monuments
This is an introductory course that uses the National Parks to explore the geological history of the Earth, and specifically the tectonic evolution of the North American continent. Topics include plate tectonics, global volcanism, large explosive volcanic eruptions, the age of the Earth, the history of life (fossil record), meteorite impacts, earthquakes, mountain building, the origin of the Great Lakes, and climate change throughout Earth history.
Topics
- plate tectonics
- global volcanism
- large explosive volcanic eruptions
- the age of the Earth
- the history of life (fossil record)
- meteorite impacts
- earthquakes
- mountain building
- the origin of the Great Lakes
- and climate change throughout Earth history
Topics explicitly listed in official catalogue description
Prerequisites & course information
(4). (NS). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. No credit if completed EARTH (GEOSCI)/ENVIRON 116, 117, or 119, or both EARTH (GEOSCI) 205 AND EARTH (GEOSCI)/ENVIRON 206. Only 3 credits with EARTH (GEOSCI) 205 or EARTH (GEOSCI)/ENVIRON 206. W.
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027
Catalogue variants
- Geology of National Parks and Monuments · 4 · Undergraduate credit